Elimination part 3 of 4.

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Too Cool 4 School

Chelsea v Internazionale

The Special One.

Yeah you Jose Mourinho, you! He makes his return to London with his Inter Milan Squad holding a 2-1 aggregate lead. Chelsea fans won’t be to scared as they have that key away goal. Last time an Inter squad had this type of aggregate lead they were beaten 1-0 at Villarreal. It should be a fantastic scene in the heart of London.

The proud Blues’ fans will have to get used to a bit of a different line-up. There are some key injuries to Ashley Cole (ankle), Michael Essien (knee), José Bosingwa (knee), Deco (knee),Henrique Hilário (groin), and Petr Čech (calf). Goalie Ross Turnbull will make his second start for Chelsea, the first one coming this past Saturday against West Ham. Chelsea won that game 4-1 and Carlo Ancelotti is not scared about the youngster in net, “Turnbull played well on Saturday. He is a confident lad and we have a lot of faith in him”.

Inter will be without young striker Mario Balotelli and wily veteran Cristian Chivu. Inter looks like the more complete squad on paper, but Chelsea striker Florent Malouda hits at the heart of the matter.

“We only need one goal so we need to play with patience against Inter.”

Great Atmosphere. Good quality teams. Great Coaches. This one has wonderful written all over it.

Players to Watch:

Chelsea – GK Ross Turnbull – 25 year old Englishman chance to shine

Turnbull’s gained a decisive victory over West Ham, only allowing 1 goal to Scott Parker. Ross’ teammates took over by scoring three unanswered goals. Inter will be a different story as they bring in a lot more fire power then the Western Londoners did on Saturday. If Chelsea wants to join Arsenal and Manchester United then Ross needs to be stout in net.

Inter Milan – Samuel Eto’o – The Cameroonian had an assist in the first match.

That’s right do what you normally do and you’ll be all smiles! The 28 year old hasn’t done that well in the scoring department for Inter’s Champions League run though, 1 goal in 7 games. Without Mario Balotelli, Jose Mourinho has to rely even more on Eto’o and his striking partner Diego Milito. By the way, did anyone notice that I called Diego’s EARLY goal in the first game. How about this prediction – Eto’o nets just before the first half whistle.

Yeah I’m choosing the boys in Blue. Since the only time I’ve ever been in Chelsea I was completely wasted and having the time of my life I’ll give them the nod. Chelsea nets twice and Samuel Eto’o loan goal pushes this game into EXTRA TIME. This one will go to penalties where Chelsea will see through to the quarters, winning 4-3 in the shootout. This one will live up to the hype.

Sevilla FC v CSKA Moscow

The first game ended 1-1 in Russia and the Spanish are looking good to move on to the quarterfinals. That doesn’t mean Sevilla is taking this game lightly. Sevilla coach Manolo Jimenez says, ”a very important game for the club, the team, the city, Andalusia and Spain”. Both teams are in historic times as who ever wins will enter the CL quarters for the first time ever. Moscow will be without Uros Cosic and Kiril Nababkin, two key starters for CSKA. Cosic’s injury will keep him out for a long time. The Spanish fans should be out and about.

The Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium will be nuts as Sevilla can extend there success in UEFA competitions. They won back-to-back UEFA cup titles and the Super Cup from 2005-2007. Sevilla’s healthier squad and home field advantage may be the difference makers.

Players to Watch:

Sevilla – Luis Fabiano – Brazilian forward missed the first game.

Fabiano will reunite with his striking partner Frédéric Kanouté to give Sevilla the goal-scoring threats they will need to move on. Luis answered fan’s questions on UEFA.com.

“It should be a tight game like the first one, but this time we have a bit more responsibility to take the initiative. We cannot play in a conservative way in front of our supporters.”

Expect the Brazilian to use those red shoes to net at least one goal.

CSKA Moscow – Keisuke Honda – 23 year old Japanese Midfielder played well in the first match. Yellow Card.

As one of the newest members of the Moscow club, Honda has been excited to play on bigger stages.

“Personally, I want to do well not only in Europe but in Russia so that I get called up to the Japan squad for the World Cup.”

He gives CSKA an attack minded midfielder with the stamina to give 90 minutes if needed.

Yeah Luis you are #1. I see the striking abilities of Sevilla to be to strong to not move on. a 1-0 victory in front of the Sevilla faithful makes sense.